Dental / Theatre Nurse
Job summary
The Dental Nurse provides chairside clinical support to the dentist and dental assistants, ensuring safe, compassionate patient care. Key responsibilities include room preparation, procedure assistance, patient record maintenance, and infection control, in compliance with NCK and public health standards.
Job descriptions & requirements
PrimaryResponsibilities
1. Provide chairside assistance to the dentist across a full range of procedures, including restorations, extractions, root canals, scaling, crown fittings, and oral surgery.
2. Prepare and lay out all procedure-specific instrument trays, consumables, and dental materials in advance of each patient appointment.
3. Perform decontamination, sterilization, and storage of all dental instruments in strict compliance with infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols and national hygiene standards.
4. Conduct pre-treatment patient assessments, including updating medical and dental histories, documenting allergies, and flagging clinical concerns to the dentist before treatment begins.
5. Manage chairside aspiration and moisture control using high-volume suction, saliva ejectors, and cotton isolation throughout all dental procedures.
6. Prepare, mix, and dispense dental materials accurately and within correct working times.
7. Expose, process, label, and file dental radiographs in accordance with radiation safety protocols and patient record requirements.
8. Maintain accurate, confidential, and audit-ready patient records using the clinic's practice management system, including treatment notes, consent forms, and clinical photographs.
9. Deliver clear post-operative care instructions to patients following procedures and conduct follow-up calls where necessary to monitor recovery.
10. Provide oral health education to patients, including brushing and flossing techniques, dietary advice, and guidance on conditions such as bruxism and periodontal disease.
11. Oversee daily clinic opening and closing procedures, including treatment room preparation, restocking of consumables, and equipment functionality checks.
12. Manage clinical stock control for dental supplies, including stock counts, reorder notifications, delivery verification, and FIFO-compliant storage organization.
13. Assist the dentist in managing dental emergencies applying BLS competencies and clinic emergency protocols.
14. Supervise and mentor dental assistants in instrument handling, patient positioning, suction technique, and infection control compliance.
15. Coordinate patient flow and room turnover with the front office to optimise the dentist's schedule without compromising care quality.
1. Monitor, test, and report on dental equipment performance, including autoclaves, curing lights, scalers, and suction units, escalating maintenance needs promptly.
2. Ensure full compliance with the Nursing Act (Cap 257), Public Health Act, and NCK guidelines, and support the clinic during regulatory inspections and audits.
3. Oversee clinical waste segregation and disposal including sharps, amalgam, and pharmaceutical waste in line with NEMA regulations and the clinic's waste management policy.
Secondary Responsibilities.
1. Communicate clinical concerns, equipment wear-and-tear trends, and patient feedback to the dentist or clinic manager to support continuous service improvement.
2. Provide input to the clinic management team on procurement decisions for dental materials, instruments, and equipment based on clinical experience.
3. Support patient retention by delivering a consistently warm, professional, and reassuring experience, proactively managing dental anxiety with empathy and confidence.
4. Support quality improvement initiatives, including clinical audits, adverse event reviews, and implementation of updated standard operating procedures.
5. Serve on the clinic's emergency response team and participate in regular BLS refresher drills to maintain readiness for medical emergencies on the premises.
6. Perform any other duties as assigned by the dentist or clinic management to support clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and patient-centred service delivery.
Requirements & Competencies
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) from a recognised university
• Valid registration and current practising licence with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) in accordance with the Nurses Act (Cap 257) of the Laws of Kenya.
• Minimum 10 years of verified clinical experience in dental nursing, theatre nursing, or a combination of both.
• Proficiency in chairside dental nursing techniques across a broad range of general and specialist dental procedures.
• Experience as theatre nurse will be an added advantage.
• Strong working knowledge of infection prevention and control (IPC) standards, sterilization protocols, and dental waste management regulations applicable in Kenya.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification from a recognized provider. • Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate clinical records and operate electronic
practice management systems with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients across all ages and backgrounds and manage dental anxiety effectively.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to manage competing clinical priorities calmly within a fast-paced dental clinic.
Candidates meeting the above qualifications, to send their CV and a cover letter to careers@orchidhr.co.ke with the subject line “Dental / Theatre Nurse” by 21st April 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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